Lae Biscuit Company Showcases PNG-Made Products at Fine Food Australia
- PNG Development Magazine
- Oct 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 22, 2024
LAE Biscuit Company Limited, a prominent Papua New Guinea-based manufacturer, recently showcased its products on an international stage at Fine Food Australia, a leading trade event in the food industry.
Held in Melbourne, the exhibition, renowned for its 40-year history, brings together hundreds of food industry professionals from Australasia and beyond, offering a prestigious platform for companies to present their products to a global audience.
Fine Food Australia:
A Premier Industry EventFine Food Australia is one of the most sig-nificant trade exhibitions in the Southern Hemisphere. Over its 40-year history, it has established itself as a key event for the food industry, attracting a diverse range of exhibitors and visitors from around the world. The event features the latest innovations in food products, equipment, and technology, making it a prime venue for industry professionals to network, learn, and discover new opportunities.
For Lae Biscuit Company Ltd, participating in Fine Food Australia represents a major milestone. It provides an unparalleled op-portunity to introduce Papua New Guinea-made products to an international audience and gain visibility among leading global manufacturers and distributors. The exhibition’s reputation and scale highlight the significance of Lae Biscuit’s presence, marking a pivotal moment for the company and the broader PNG food industry.
Breaking New Ground
This marks the first time Lae Biscuit Company Ltd has participated in such a high profile international event, an achievement made possible through the support of Pacific Trade Invest Australia. As part of the Pacific Islands stand, Lae Biscuit’s presence at the exhibition is a significant milestone, putting the company and its quality Papua New Guinea-made products in the spotlight among other renowned Pacific manufacturers.
John Chow, the Group General Manager of Lae Biscuit Company, expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity. “It certainly puts us on the map with other known manufacturers in the Pacific,” Chow remarked. His comments highlight the company’s pride in being recognized at a global event and the excitement of seeing other Pacific Islanders celebrate Lae Biscuit’s participation.
Showcasing Beyond Snacks
At the exhibition, Lae Biscuit chose not to solely focus on its Snax biscuits but to present the company, emphasizing its commitment to producing high-quality products that can meet international standards. This approach aligns with their broader vision of becoming a trusted name in the global food industry.
Chow acknowledged the challenges faced by local manufacturers in Papua New Guinea but expressed optimism about the future. Despite these hurdles, he is confident that Lae Biscuit will gain the support needed to establish itself as a leading food manufacturer in the Pacific region.
Strategic Partnerships and Innovations
The event also served as a platform for Lae Biscuit to promote its recent branding partnerships with prominent National Rugby League clubs, including the Cronulla Sharks, South Sydney Rabbitohs, and PNG Kumuls superstar Alex Johnston. These partnerships are part of the company’s strategy to enhance its brand visibility and connect with a broader audience.
Additionally, Lae Biscuit proudly showcased its Food Safety System Certification (FSSC 22000), an international standard that un-derscores the company’s commitment to maintaining rigorous food safety and quality standards. Achieving this certification is a notable accomplishment, as it sets Lae Bis-cuit apart from many local food companies in PNG.
Addressing Local Challenges
Ian Chow, the Group Chairman and Founder of Lae Biscuit Company, highlighted broader challenges faced by manufacturers in Papua New Guinea. He emphasized the need for additional market opportunities to sustain and grow the industry. According to Chow, high manufacturing costs, limited government assistance, and economic challenges such as high unemployment are significant obstacles that must be addressed for the sector to thrive.
Chow’s concerns underscore the impor-tance of government support in fostering a conducive environment for local manufac-turers. The success of Lae Biscuit’s participa-tion in Fine Food Australia could serve as a catalyst for further investment and support for the industry.
Lae Biscuit Company Ltd’s participation in Fine Food Australia marks a significant step forward for the Papua New Guinea food industry. By showcasing its products and achieving international certification, the company has demonstrated its capacity to compete on a global scale. The support from Pacific Trade Invest Australia and strategic partnerships reflect a positive trajectory for Lae Biscuit, signaling a promising future for PNG-made products in the international market.
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